Non-wearing of seatbelts increase the risk of serious injury or death by between 40% and 50% in case of an accident.

More than 95% of all road accidents happen as a direct result of a traffic offence. Most accidents can be attributed to 2 or more simultaneous traffic offences. Generally human factors, such as non-adherence to traffic rules and legislation and aggressive, reckless, negligent and inconsiderate driving behaviour, failing to stop at traffic signals, unsafe and illegal overtaking, as well as inappropriate speed for circumstances and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs are major contributory factors, totalling to about 70% to 80%. Vehicle fitness aspects such as smooth tyres, poor brakes, defective lights, steering and suspension of the vehicle contribute to between 10% and 15%, while road and environmental factors such as poor road conditions and signposting, poor fencing, allowing stray animals on the road, poor visibility, etc contribute to between 5% and 10%.